Mega Jprint

It has been 15 years since Akiyama developed the Jprint Series Press, the world’s first single-pass sheet-fed press capable of printing on both sides of the sheet in multiple colors. Since then, the Jprint Series has achieved dramatic improvements in productivity and performance and has many new value-added features including a double-sided coater and Roll Feeder. In 2007 at the IGAS show held in Tokyo, Akiyama introduced the MEGA Jprint 40 series Perfector, a new model which brings together all of Akiyama’s experience and expertise into a single machine. In response to many requests for a larger format press, Akiyama then developed the MEGA Jprint 44 series, 44-inch (32-1/4″ x 44 1/16″) Perfector. Check out the performance of the MEGA Jprint 44 series – the new standard in 44-inch Perfectors.

Main Features of the MEGA Jprint 44 Series

A maximum printing speed of 15,000 sph. Use a suction-tape feeder to ensure a fast stable paper feeding.

Double cam system used as the gripper opening/closing mechanism for the impression and transfer cylinders.

In-line densitometer or In-line spectrometer available as option.

Roll Feeder (RF) available as a feeder unit option.

Specifications

The perfecting press, which has enjoyed the overwhelming support of its many users, has taken the next step in its evolution. We proudly introduce the MEGA Jprint, a printing press that achieves unprecedented levels of quality and productivity.Akiyama developed the non-convertible, double-sided, multi-color, sheet-fed offset printing press Jprint in 1994, based on the concept of maintaining the high printing quality of a one-sided printing press while offering greater productivity and the quicker printing speed needed to satisfy tighter delivery schedules. More than ten years later, the market still demands small-lot printing capability from printing presses, and the demand for higher productivity is even stronger. Akiyama’s MEGA Jprint was developed with the goal of achieving higher productivity and improved operability, and we have met that goal by drawing on the wealth of experience and know-how that Akiyama has accumulated over the years.

High Quality
The original cylinder configuration, which is based on an impression-to-impression transfer system, provides a degree of registration accuracy that’s simply unbeatable. The digital workflow ensures reliable color management, so you can easily maintain quality control.

High Performance
The system features a newly developed, high-speed sucker head. This new delivery mechanism provides stable feeding and delivery even during high-speed operations. These are among the many functions that allow the MEGA Jprint to offer such unrivaled performance.

Factory Environment
The MEGA Jprint incorporates innovative technologies, but there is also considerable emphasis on environmental excellence. The MEGA Jprint comes standard with a range of automated, power- and labor-saving devices that reduce the burden of the operator. Indeed, the MEGA Jprint promises to provide a printing environment that is friendly not only to the environment but also to the people who operate it.

Condensing the years of know-how represented in Akiyama’s original cylinder configurations, the MEGA Jprint is an idealperfecting press that pushes productivity efficiency to the highest level.The market continues to demand ever-greater productivity from sheet-fed printing machines. Akiyama’s MEGA Jprint solution answers that need. First, the MEGA Jprint boasts the enhanced durability of each mechanism, thereby supporting higher printing speeds. It also employs ergonomic designs and new technologies we’ve developed through our unrelenting quest for greater automation and more efficient use of energy. With these unique mechanisms and more, the MEGA Jprint opens a door to the infinite possibilities of the perfecting press. Thus Akiyama proudly presents its all-new MEGA Jprint, the culmination of our technological capabilities that promises to bring sustainable success to your business.

Non-Stop FeederThe non-stop feeder ensures continuous sheet feeding during a print run by using the auxiliary paper tray.

Feeder Static Eliminator SystemThis system removes static electricity from the sheets as they are fed from the feeder.

Supersonic Double-Sheet Detection SystemThis system sends supersonic waves over the sheets delivered from the feeder, thereby detecting even small changes in sheet condition. If a double-sheet is detected, the system stops the feeder. The detection performance of the system has been dramatically improved.

Anti-Curl System in the Infeed SectionAir is supplied through an opening in the infeed section to prevent the sheet from traveling beyond the specified position, and at the same time the gripped side of the sheet is flattened.

Swing Fan-Out Prevention MechanismWhen the sheet is transferred from the swing to the transfer cylinder, its gripped end is straightened in order to prevent fanning as the sheet is printed.

Swing Air-Blower SystemAir is blown onto the gripped end of the sheet while it is being transferred by the swing, and as a result the sheet is lifted and held during transfer. This has the added benefit of preventing the sheet from being scratched and marked by the swing gripper.

Transfer Cylinder Air-Blower SystemAir is blown onto the transfer cylinder as it passes the sheet to the impression cylinder, thus preventing the sheet from wrapping itself around the transfer cylinder.

Special Impression Cylinder JacketEach impression cylinder is equipped with a special jacket. This jacket minimizes leftover ink, and as a result the problems commonly associated with ink buildup are eliminated.

Blanket Cylinder Air-Blower SystemThis system evaporates the dampening solution that is transferred from the plate cylinder to the blanket cylinder, preventing the sheet from stretching due to the solution.

Continuous Dampening SystemAkiyama’s unique roller configuration helps produce a uniform water film over the surface of the plate, facilitating consistently high print quality.

Water-Fountain Roller Drive SystemThe seamless speed variation achieved by a motor drive, coupled with a follow-up roller that operates in unison with the speed of the main press, promises stable dampening throughout every operation.

Inker Air-Blower SystemAir is blown onto the inking rollers, which is minimizing the emulsification to what the print job requires.

Automatic Ink Roller Wash-Up SystemEach time a color is changed, cleaning solution is injected onto the ink rollers to clean them, after which the dirty cleaning solution is collected. All these steps are performed automatically, helping make job set-up more thorough and efficient.

Inker Temperature-Control SystemThree temperature-control rollers are used to ensure the constant temperatures of the ink-roller and plate surface, and thereby achieve stable ink delivery.

Antistatic Delivery SystemThe delivery section is equipped with an electrical antistatic system for the effective removal of electrostatic buildup.

Sheet-Release Cam Speed-Alignment MechanismThe speed of the sheet-release cam is synchronous with the printing speed. Moreover, a unique speed-control method allows the operator to make the correct paper-thickness setting to support any type of sheet.

Air Regulation System for Sheet AlignmentA special air-shower system and fan provide consistent sheet alignment, even when printing on very thin stock.

Delivery Slowdown Suction Wheels Mechanism (split-type suction wheels)The slowdown suction wheels can be moved right and left according to the image on the reverse side of the sheet. Additionally, the wheels of different widths can be installed to suite the image layout.

Flood ButtonRaising the speed of the water-fountain rollers increases the volume of dampening to prevent the spoilage of the printed surface and other problems associated with the drying of the sheet.

The MEGA Jprint is a new style perfecting press offering a number of advanced functions for the sake of greater efficiencyand higher quality.

Suction-Tape Feeder with Improved Sucker-Head DurabilityThe feeder table employs an air-suction tape that creates a vacuum to reliably pick up and transfer the sheet to the swing table at high speed. The table also comes with a newly developed sucker head. Greater overall rigidity of this system ensures stable sheet-feed even at very high speeds of operation.

New Operation Stand (ACC)The ACC (Akiyama Color Control) operation stand supports higher processing speeds. In fact, the values entered from the stand are executed by the ink keys in half the time required on a traditional stand, or even less. This makes it easier to design a CMS (Color Management System) to allow printing jobs to go full-scale more quickly. Akiyama’s original, simplified MIS is a standard feature. The plate data, ink-fountain data and various other inputs can be controlled for each job. When a repeat order is received, simply call up the past order to automatically restore the settings. Now all operation tasks can be performed via the touch panel, which makes operation easier than ever.

Additional Transfer Cylinders and Adoption of Belt-Type Sheet GuideThe delivery system has two additional transfer cylinders to reduce the unwanted movement of the sheet. The sheet-guiding endless belt protects the sheets from scratches and rub marks.

Detachable Slowdown Suction WheelsAn all-new structure of the slowdown suction wheel has been incorporated in the MEGA Jprint. The suction wheels can now be detached and attached along with the auxiliary suction wheels, while lateral movements are made easy with the crank handle.

Improved Roller Oscillation and Ink Air-Blow MethodThe oscillation of the rollers has been improved to eliminate ghosting. Furthermore, the ink air-blow method has been modified to prevent the excessive emulsification of the ink while protecting the roller coating from peeling.

Inker Clutch (Optional)The inking drive of a printing unit not currently being used for printing can be disengaged from the main power train through a simple operation on the touch panel, thus providing further energy savings. This mechanism also prevents the unnecessary wear of rollers not currently in use.

Full Auto Plate Changer (Optional)You can also choose the optional FAPC (Full Auto Plate Changer). When the FAPC is installed, simply set the new plate on the plate guide, and all the required operations—from ejecting the previous plate to setting the new plate—will be performed automatically.

Double-Sided Coater (Optional)The MEGA Jprint can be ordered with the DC (Double-sided Coater) specification, which comes with an inline coater commonly used on one-sided presses. By installing the double-sided coater, the amount of spray powder can be significantly reduced and the waiting time before the next process is practically eliminated. Again, Akiyama technology helps achieve quicker production so that even the tightest deadline can be met.Chamber CoaterThe chamber coater system, which uses anilox rollers, allows the doctor blade to maintain a uniform varnish surface and provide a varnish coating of constant thickness.IR Drying SystemThe MEGA Jprint’s drying system combines an IR dryer, a hot-air blower and an air-cooling unit.

The matchless printing quality—which surpasses what any one-sided press can offer—is proof of Akiyama’s innovative technology.

Unitized Double-Sided Printing MechanismThe top and bottom sides are printed by separate units, each of which consists of plate, blanket and impression cylinders. Thanks to unitized design, the MEGA Jprint readily answers diverse customer needs and applications.

Roller ConfigurationAmong the long list of standard features is a continuous dampening system that achieves uniform dampening of the plate surface. The four ink form rollers, each with a different size, provide accurate ink control.

Shock-Free SystemThe application of Akiyama’s innovative “double-cam system” to the gripper open/close mechanism for the impression and transfer cylinders synchronizes the opening/closing of the grippers on the right and left sides during the sheet-transfer. This results in smoother sheet transfer, the prevention of fan-out and a degree of registration accuracy that no conventional system can offer.

Cylinder ConfigurationThe MEGA Jprint employs Akiyama’s unique cylinder configuration, which is characterized by the use of single-size cylinders for all of the plate, blanket and impression cylinders. Moreover, Akiyama’s impression-to-impression transfer system helps achieve the highest accuracy of registration. Each impression cylinder is equipped with a special ceramic jacket offering excellent dot reproduction. The jacket also prevents the unwanted attachment and accumulation of ink.

ACM (Akiyama Color Management)Akiyama offers a selection of density measurement devices including the inline densitometer and the inline spectrophotometer, which scans the color bar of the printed sheet and measures the data for color management. The measured color data can then be used for the automatic feedback control of ink keys.

Pre-Inking System

Ink-Key Preset FunctionThe operator can use the measured percentage of image area to total plate area (or CIP3/CIP4 (PPF) data) to set an appropriate key opening according to the printed image.

Pre-Inking FunctionThe operator can apply an ink film to the ink rollers according to the printing image, and thereby produce nearly perfect color matching from the start of the print run.

Product SystemA series of operations from sheet feed to high-speed printing can be started automatically with just the touch of a button.

Preset CounterThe MEGA Jprint is equipped with cumulative and preset counters. Another unique feature includes the count down preset counter to print predetermined number of job sheets.

Inking Control FunctionThe supply of ink is stopped prior to the completion of the production run, ensuring that any extra ink on the rollers is fully consumed.

Sheet-Off FunctionPrinting is completed in a manner that leaves no extra ink on the plate and blanket cylinders. So, in a small-lot production the next printing session can start right away without the user having to clean the blankets.

Stable Sheet Feed MechanismThe MEGA Jprint features a newly developed, high-performance stream feeder and a rotary-valve center separator. The sheet-cocking adjustment dial makes it easy to adjust the sheet even while the cylinders are turning.

Accurate Registration SystemThe sheet slows down and stops at the head stop before being transferred. This provides highly stable sheet-gripper operation and serves to ensure accurate registration from one sheet to the next.

DeliveryDelivery Control PanelA belt-type sheet-guide is provided to prevent the top and bottom sides of the sheet from being smudged or damaged after printing. Additionally, an air blow-down control system keeps the sheet from fluttering due to paper quality and printing speed, so sheet alignment is uniformly correct.

Slowdown Suction Wheels Ideal for PerfectingThe MEGA Jprint employs unique slowdown suction wheels and the air blow-down control system for stable sheet alignment. Consistency and quality are assured, even at the highest printing speeds.

Optimal Sheet Layout to Reduce Paper WasteThe MEGA Jprint features a one-side gripping system that takes advantage of the maximum image area to help reduce paper costs.

When Printing Eight Pages on A1-Size SheetsThe Jprint 40/44 Series, unlike a convertible perfector, lets you print eight A4 pages on both sides of an A1-size sheet. (Color bars can be added.)Plate CockingThe registration for each plate can be individually adjusted via the remote-control buttons on the ACC console. The range of adjustment for plate cocking is ±0.50 mm.Cylinder CockingPlate registration can be fine-tuned for each unit using the remote-control buttons on the ACC console. The range of adjustment for cylinder cocking is ±0.15 mm.

Simultaneous Cleaning of Blanket and Impression CylindersWhen the impression cylinder is set and rotated simultaneously with the blanket cylinder, any ink, paper residue or other foreign matter adhering to the impression cylinder is removed by the cleaning solvent on the blanket and transferred to the contacting blanket cylinder, which is cleaned concurrently with the impression cylinder using a blanket “cleaning cloth.” Because the cleaning cloth does not come into direct contact with the impression cylinder, the special ceramic jacket is spared from premature wear.

Akiyama’s range of auxiliary printing systems can help your facility enjoy a printing environment that is more efficient,trouble-free and environmentally friendly.

Simultaneous Cleaning of Blanket and Impression CylindersThe MEGA Jprint uses a cleaning system designed for safety and environmental responsibility. It uses a roll of cleaning cloth impregnated with a low-VOC cleaning solution, so that environmental impact is minimized. Because the blanket cylinders and impression cylinders are cleaned simultaneously, the consumption of energy and resources is reduced.

Heat-Source Separation SystemBy providing outdoor units for the inker temperature-control system and the refrigerated water circulation system, the heat generated from these two systems can be discharged straight to the exterior of the plant. The elimination of the heat from such peripheral equipment not only improves the work environment but also lowers the costs associated with air-conditioning in the plant, etc.

Noise Reduction SystemPumps, compressors and blowers are centrally controlled for greatly reduced noise within the plant. The heat generated from the pumps can also be shut off as a means of maintaining ideal printing conditions.

Oil Cleaning SystemImpurities are removed from the lubrication oil within the system so that it stays clean and works more effectively. This lowers maintenance costs, eliminates unexpected problems and maximizes the durable life of the press. Moreover, the oil cleaning system contributes to environmental protection by prolonging the life of the lubricant and reducing the amount of waste oil.

Alcohol-Free PrintingThe new, chrome-plated roller of the continuous dampening system has good water receptivity, so a thin, uniform film of IPA-free solution can be formed across the entire width of the roller. The use of an alcohol-free dampening solution solves common environmental issues facing printing plants. Needless to say, the MEGA Jprint also supports water-free printing.

Power SavingsThe MEGA Jprint offers a production capacity equivalent to that of two or more one-sided presses combined, but its power consumption is only about 55% of the power that two one-sided presses would require.

*Green StandardThe “Green Standard of the Offset Printing Services” is a list of guidelines published by the Japan Printing Industry Federation. It defines the rules that govern the environmental measures implemented by printing companies.

Job Definition Format

Total optimization of printing workflowThe JDF digital workflow format was developed for the standardization of all printing processes. Now a common standard, it was established as a means for communicating the CIP4 data needed to enhance the links among separate processes.

By combining the JDF format with the mission-critical management system MIS (Management Information System), we are able to share information resources between the management system and the production system.

Akiyama employs a JDF/JMF conversion program between the printing press and MIS to build an integrated system workflow capable of ensuring the highest overall utility and facilitate the detailed management of information in coordination with the MIS.

The result data of each printing press is sent to and stored in the server in real time. Through the use of such data, all printing machines can be monitored in terms of their daily operation time, rate of utilization, number of sheets printed, number of colors used and other specific parameters, while the progress of each job can also be tracked in units of time.